Thursday, 22 December 2011

Merry Christmas, Thoughts, Thank you's & Wallpaper

Here we are again at the end of another busy year. As I tidy my desk and prepare for some much anticipated time away from the office, my mind reflects on the year that was.

It has been a year of setbacks, struggle, sickness and sadness for so many people I know and so many people I don’t know and to them I would like to say sorry. Sorry you had to go through so much heartache and sorrow. I hope, as the year crosses over to the next, things will improve for you all. xx

For me, I feel like I have been chasing my tail all year with to do lists the size of Mount Everest. No matter how easy it may look, nothing and I repeat, nothing comes easy.

With lots of hard work, commitment, stress, worry, exhaustion and tears comes achievement and 2011 saw the successful launch of our online store which I am looking forward to growing and developing further in 2012.

The year also brought some exciting jobs my way along with some wonderful new clients as well as old clients who are very supportive and encouraging and for that I am very thankful. I am also very thankful for the wonderful, hard-working and creative people I've had the fortune of working with this year both in-house at B&S and externally. They have all helped me more than you could ever imagine and I am truly grateful for everything they have brought to the table.

Throughout the year I was presented with some extremely exciting, yet humbling offers. One such offer is something I have been secretly working on for the most part of the second half of this year and it is something I have been dying to tell you about.

Do you want to know what it is?

Well, I am thrilled and excited to announce that earlier this year renowned Australian paint and wallpaper company, Porter’s Paints asked me to design a range of wallpaper with them and in the early part of 2012 we will be launching Anna Spiro for Porter’s Paints – a collection of wallpapers which will certainly spell my signature style . This is something I have always dreamt of doing and I would like to extend a huge thank you to Porter's Paints for this wonderful opportunity.

In the photo above and below of my inspiration board, if you look closely, you might be able to identify some of the drawings of the proposed designs. A special little sneak peek for you my loyal readers.
There will be 3 designs to start with and the collection will hopefully grow to 12 designs and maybe, just maybe, some of the designs might eventually be available in fabric too. The colour ways will be fresh and uplifting and perfect for all of you who love colour just as much as I do.

So, there are some big things in the pipeline and lots of hard work ahead in 2012. But for now, it’s off to the beach with my boys to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and just between you and me I can’t wait to spend endless days with them swimming, walking, reading, sleeping, laughing, talking, kissing and cuddling.

Thank you so much for following my blog and my journey. It’s been 5 years now since I started this blog and I can’t believe that you continue to read it. I really can’t.

I hope I can continue to fill your world with colour and inspiration in 2012.

Congratulations Anna! That's wonderful news. Perhaps Peter Lewis will re-decorate Snapper Lodge (the Porter's Paints 'test' cottage in Sydney) in your signature Anna Spiro colours and wallpapers? It would look so gorgeous in turquoise, blue and pink! Wishing you a lovely Christmas, and a restful break away at the beach house. All the very best,Janelle McCulloch | A Library of Design

21 December 2011 8:08 PM

Anna Spiro said...

Thanks Janelle! A big Merry Christmas to you too and thank you for your guidance and friendship this year!!xx

Jlonit - thank you for being a lovely follower of my blog for such a long time!xx

Wow Anna, congratulations! I'm sure all of your wallpaper designs will be fabulous and exciting. I look forward to seeing them. I'm sure you are finishing your year with a huge amount of pride & accomplishment and rightly so!

Peta said...Congrats Anna!! You seriously blow me away! I have so much admiration for the work you do. I honestly don't know how you juggle everything but in my eye you are an inspiration to women everywhere. As if you weren't busy enough but if you ever decide to hold workshops/seminars/talks about your journey and how you manage it all, please let me know because I'll be the first to buy a ticket. Well done! What an incredible way to end the year. Seriously. WOW. xx

21 December 2011 9:59 PM

Lorraine said...I really like your colorful style.Love,Lorraine in NY

21 December 2011 11:28 PM

Daryl Wark said...Anna, A BIG CONGRATULATIONS, well earn' t. You are so right, every bit of what looks so easy is really hours, then days and weeks of planning. Your creative deas thrown around until you get it perfect. I am so proud that Brisbane and Australia has such a fine ambassador for Decoration and Design and a person that is real and heart felt. You have followed your instinct and your heart and just look at what you have achieved. You too should be proud, the pain, stress, tear's and the unrelenting pressure has finally started to pay off. I know you are not the sort of person to crave notoriety which makes you even more the amazing person you are.Well done, I cant wait to see what exciting things come for you in 2012. Enjoy your much earned break over the summer holidays, (I know how you must feel). Warm wishes,Daryl Wark

21 December 2011 11:40 PM

VictoriaArt said...Wonderful news! I am sure you will succeed with all!Wishing you lots of creativity for the design process!Merry Christmas to you and yours! And of course all the best for 2012!Victoria

22 December 2011 1:34 AM

Stylelinx said...How wonderful for you Anna! I've been following your blog for years and this is so exciting to hear about your new opportunity! Congratulations & Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! xo

22 December 2011 3:54 AM

christine {bijouandboheme} said...Oh my goodness...wallpaper- so so amazing. I literally can't wait to see your line!!!

22 December 2011 6:47 AM

Vic Bibby said...How amazing, congratulations, that is a wonderful achievement! I can't wait to see the finished designs. You are an inspiration. Have a great Christmas and holiday with your family. xxx

22 December 2011 7:26 AM

Isabel said...Happy Holidays for you and your family and a merry christamas and happy new year !!!

Hi Anna, Congratulations - that is so exciting, and so well-deserved! I'm looking ever so closely at your inspiration board and the drawings look amazing. Just imagine them multiplied across a wall. Enjoy the holidays with your boys and I'll look forward to all your exciting adventures in 2012.Amanda x

Anna, I come by and "visit" your blog often and am always so delighted with the fresh colorful images and inspiration you exude. Here's wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! and..Best wishes on your new endeavor!

Oh my goodness...what exciting news that you will have your own line of Anna Spiro inspired wallpapers...Will it only be available in Australia? You have inspired me and so many to embrace color and patters...I sure hope it will be available in the US! Hope you have enjoyed your holiday with your family.

My gosh, Anna, that is fantastic!! Congratulations, lovely! : ) I'm building a home (well, about to begin any minute), and hope your designs are available by the time we are through (May/June this year perhaps).

That is AMAZING news Anna! Congratulations. You have worked so hard and you deserve every success with this. I am sure it will be an enormous hit. Have a lovely restful time with your family...you will need it by the looks of things.Wishing you well in 2012Ness xxMarley & Lockyer

I established this blog in 2006 so that I could record my inspirations, my thoughts and my work as an Interior Designer. Based in Brisbane, Australia, my store Black & Spiro is always filled with a unique collection of interesting things which we scour the globe to find. I am most passionate about my family, my career, tradition, collecting, flowers, fabric, gardening, colour and quality and I will always strive to be creative and extraordinary in everything I do. I hope I can inspire you to live a bright and colourful life surrounded by the things you love.